David Warner and Sean Abbott will both be unavailable for selection for Australia's second Test match against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. While Warner is still recovering from his injury, Abbott couldn't be made available owing to Cricket Australia's strict bio-secure protocols.
Australian opener David Warner was in the form of his life against India in the fifty-over format before he picked up a groin injury during the second ODI. It led to him missing the third ODI and the entire T20I series as D’Arcy Short replaced him.
While Warner’s injury needed time to heal, Sean Abbott was a sure shot for the second Test match after the all-rounder picked a light calf injury during Australia A’s practice match prior to the Test series.
Both Warner and Abbott had arrived in Melbourne ahead of the closing of the state borders following a pandemic outbreak in Sydney. However, quarantine protocols in the country prevent them from taking part in net sessions and consequently in team selection.
“Cricket Australia’s bio-security protocols do not allow them to rejoin the squad in time for the Boxing Day test,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.
“Warner has not fully recovered from a groin injury suffered in the ODI Series against India and would not have been available for the second test,” it said.
“Abbott has recovered from a calf strain sustained during Australia A’s tour match against India and would have been available for selection for the Boxing Day Test.”
India trail the four-match series against Australia 1-0 after a humiliating loss in Adelaide and will look to bounce back in the second Test match that starts on December 26.
Like Australia, India will see Rohit Sharma available for selection in the third Test from January 7, after quarantine protocols prevented the batsman from practising in net sessions.
Feature Image Courtesy: AFP/ Jeremy NG
